Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1887-02-18
Our Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, ID. e., Feb. 4, 1857.

WASHINGTON, d. e., Feb. 4, 1887.
The week Is doings in congress have
been varied and interesting. There haye
been important debates on the subject
Of coast defences, ships, Notifications
and guns that cannot bBmade in day
congressional funeral abuses have been
attacked and defended dry approprla-
ton bills are always on the calendars Of
both branches OF congress and all i'm
portant question of what to do Will, the
treasury surplus" has not been neg
lecteG.
There was talk in the senate few
days ago during which democratic pre-
tences of economy were exposed, and
the alleged extravaganza Of the senate
disproved. The honse loudly lauds IL
self these days for economy. The sub
ject of the coast survey was up, and the
house was accused Of ail attempt to
/ break up this work by crippling it with
an insufficient appropriation.
Senator Iawley, of Conn, expressed
great disappointment that the snperin-
teEdent Of the coast survey, for tlip
first time IN It's history, was not a gem
tlemen Of high scientific attalnments;
| in fact, was not scientist at all. 1t
was a most extrao ordinary departure from
the uniform practice, and was great
administrative mistake. The Office.
with a $1,000 salary, is tiiled at present I
by ST 900 treasury clerk.
The bill to prevent the appointment
of congressional funerals at public ex !
pense. las been up in the house. Rep
resentative Hammond, Of Georgia,
thought it best to leave the old custom
undisturbed. He did not believe the
newspaper talk about improper conduct
by funeral committees. He had never
attended one. but he knew gentlemen
who had, gentlemen of high tone. and
| incapable of miscOnduc on such Occa-
siOns.
Congressman Oates. of Alabama, crit.
icised the practice severely, declaying3
that it was mo- a mark of respect or Of
SlUONlC1 GNJ1loWsFi Ou0 1Vl lid IOSRGCO xVk
the senate and house he could mention
some cases Of misconduct OH the part of
members of congress while accompany
ing the remains Of a deceased colleague
to its place Of burial. which would
shock the whole country.
It is useless to prophecy anything
about the interstate commerce Till, for
before this can reach you. you will know
whether the president has signed or
vetoed it. Saturday evening is tllellmlt
Of the time that lie can legally act upon
it. He has not yet taken up the So
called dependent pension bill, which
provides for needy veterans and depen-,
dent parents Of deceased soldiers. He
is receiving, however. q great many pro-
tests against some Of the principles in.
volved in this measure.
People are wondering what has be-
come Of the Blair educational bill. II is
now at the mercy of the house commit
tee on rules, winch is com posed OF three
democrats and two republicans MesSrs
Reed, Hiscock, Carlisle. Morrison, and
Randall These gentlemen, have the,
right 10 report II back to the house for
| action at amy time or to s:rangle sit.
The republicans Of tile house are almost
unanimously in favor Of the bill, but the
democrats are divided. It is unneces-
sary tosay Lepeople are watching both,
fort measure has a strong hold npOn
them. Some have even predicted that
1;st 1;;it will be very difficult for q lawmaker
who votes against the Blair bii! ever %
lie elected presidentor reelected to con-
gress. ~ Joi; Es.